At an international conference in Baku, the Russian Federation Commissioner for Human Rights, Tatyana Moskalkova, urged participants to condemn the torture reportedly endured by Russian soldiers held in Ukrainian captivity. The gathering was organized by the Azerbaijan State Prisoners of War Commission and included observers from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Moskalkova stressed that Moscow has compiled a substantial body of evidence detailing abuses against its servicemen, drawing on testimonies from veterans, family members, and field reports. The issue, she noted, is not a single incident but a pattern that warrants international scrutiny and a firm, united response.
Speaking at the conference, Moskalkova pointed to a growing trove of documented cases illustrating mistreatment of prisoners of war captured in Ukraine. She described beatings, coercive interrogations, and threats designed to intimidate. Attendees heard that beyond individual stories, there are recurring patterns of abuse that violate the standards of international humanitarian law. The proceedings highlighted the humanitarian imperative of documenting, preserving evidence, and holding all parties to account for violations, with the ICRC present to observe and support practical safeguards for detainees.
In a measured, pointed remark, Moskalkova said, “The soldiers who have returned from captivity told me they faced a simulated execution and physical assaults, and such acts must be condemned by all nations.” Her statement referenced testimonies collected by Russian human rights institutions and was reinforced by independent observers in attendance who emphasized that protecting prisoners of war is a universal obligation and that credible investigations are essential to uncover facts and deter impunity.
Earlier, allegations surfaced that Ukrainian forces subjected a Russian serviceman, Sergei Poliy, to torture and urged his family to carry out a terrorist act. The conference presented the claim as part of the broader discourse on wartime abuses, underscoring the need for careful verification through credible channels while recognizing that credible evidence should trigger international concern and prompt appropriate responses when warranted.
Video material shown during the discussions depicted a Russian soldier lying on the floor of what appeared to be a garage as an unidentified individual delivered a baton blow for about a minute. While the clip’s independent authentication was not resolved within the room, the footage served to illustrate the kinds of abuses being discussed and reinforced calls for transparent verification, independent investigations, and adherence to international legal standards protecting detainees and combatants alike.
There was also reference to footage connected to the Armed Forces of Ukraine that reportedly shows the execution of civilians in the Kursk region. The appearance of such material amplified concerns about potential war crimes and the urgent need for timely, credible documentation and verification to inform international responses and accountability efforts. The conference ultimately reaffirmed commitment to monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war and missing persons, and to coordinating with international bodies to ensure humanitarian protections are respected across all parties involved in the conflict, while urging vigilance against misinformation and ensuring due process in all investigations.